My lower back is in pretty intense pain at the moment, so I had to go to the Occupational Health assessment in my wheelchair. I can’t get it in and out of my car alone, so I ordered a taxi. It was the first time I’ve used public transport with my wheelchair and it went smoothly, except for trying to find a taxi in the first place. I rang what seemed like every firm in the town before I found one that had a single wheelchair accessible vehicle. Silly me expected them to have at least one on at all times – but by the sound of it most don’t have any at all!
Wheelchair adapted Fiat Doblò facelift taxi in Cheltenham, UK. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The occupational health assessment was interesting – the building wasn’t accessible for wheelchair users, and the doctor was very short on time, and his eyes widened when he saw my list of conditions and said my company should have booked more time, as the appointment wasn’t long enough to cover everything. He asked how many consultants I was under, what I was doing while off from work (mostly sleeping!) and did a depression/anxiety checklist and then tried to finish the visit! I objected, saying I thought I’d come to discuss adjustments and things in the workplace. He asked what I wanted, and I said I’d been working from home at least one day a week for three years which suited me well, and while the company I was TUPEd across to said they’d honour it, they haven’t provided me with equipment. He said he wouldn’t be writing the report, another medical company would, but he’d ‘probably’ mention it. I then said I thought a phased return from work might help, and he said yes, they’ll probably do that. He then said he didn’t think I was ready to go back to work, but I don’t see the point of him saying that, as it’s my GP that has to make that decision, isn’t it?
So it will be interesting to see what the report says.